Our Savior's Lutheran Church
Ph 701-745-3346
from my perspective…
When we meet someone, we ask their name and where they are from or where they live and then after polite conversation allows, we might ask where they work and about their family and discover people we know in common. What are we doing, and why is it important? We are attempting to ‘know’ them in a greater way than just a nod on the street.
Epiphany is the church season that focuses in on the events when Jesus is revealed as the Son of Man and Son of God. We know from the Christmas narrative that through the Angel Gabriel, the Lord directed Joseph to name the baby Jesus, which means “He saves.” But there is more to Jesus than His God-given name.
Eight days after He came, Joseph and Mary brought Him to the temple to be blessed and circumcised into the family of God. There, the baby Jesus is recognized as the one who will answer Simeon’s prayers that the Lord would bring consolation to Israel and Anna’s prayers that the Lord will redeem Jerusalem. They prayed for the Lord to end the long winter when He was silent because of the unfaithfulness of His children, Israel. In Jesus, they saw the light of God that would redeem and resurrect the Children of Israel. (Luke 2.22-38)
Joseph and Mary stayed in Bethlehem for a year or so. At a certain time, Magi from the East sought “he who has been born king of the Jews.” They, too, recognized the baby Jesus. First, by following a star that led them to Bethlehem, and then in the presence of Our Lord, they recognized He was more than a king of the Jews but a King who would free humankind. They presented him with gifts of gold for a king, frankincense for a high priest and myrrh for his sacrifice. (Matthew 2.1-15)
We will round off Epiphany by remembering the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist and the Temptation of Christ in the wilderness by the Diabolos, the Evil One of this world that seeks to tear all things apart by tempting us away from the One who brings all things together in Peace. (Luke 3.1-22 & 4.1-12)
The forces of this world want to bury the name of Jesus and the Lord God, but they cannot succeed. The Lord God will not be silenced, and furthermore, every human heart who finds itself without hope, peace, joy, or love has been given knowledge of Him. (Jeremiah 31.33-34) My life is a testimony that only when we reach a place where our power is not enough do we return to the Lord and seek his mercy and power to save us from the ditch or miry bog we have made of our life. If your life is ‘just fine’ and you do not need the Lord, may I suggest you come and know them for when you will need his mercy, love and power to overcome situations you cannot overcome by yourself. Call it preventative spiritual care or training for adversity, if you will.
Please join us, as together we invite the Lord to reveal the Light of the World in the darkness of winter night. May the Lord bless you and your family – always.
Your pastor, Dennis
Welcome!
I welcome your comments regarding our shared ministry at Our Savior's.
If you would rather comment privately; please, email me at prshepherd@westriv.com
I deeply desire to bring Christian comfort and the power of prayer to those who are challenged with sickness or circumstances in life.
Neither the hospitals or care centers are allowing visitation.
If it a matter of life and death, call me and I will contact them.
Pastor Dennis
Pastor Dennis R.
We have had our share of challenges this year.
If you or someone you know is struggling with fear and despair, I invite you to lay your hands on a copy of Max Lucado's book
Anxious for Nothing:
Finding Calm in a Chaotic World.
We, also, have a helpful copy of "Cancer. Now What?"
available in the church office.
Of course, please contact me if you would like to chat or meet for a cup of coffee.
Pastor Dennis
